Leather IWB of the quality of Milt Sparks w/out the 20-26week wait?

Folks I know (that I consider "in the know") keep recommending the Versa Max II, but I can't wait 20-26 weeks for a holster. Is there anything else that would be of similar quality, but without the lead time?

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xray 99

April 27, 2008, 09:01 AM

Many custom makers get WAY behind, to the point customers feel ripped off - I have been twice. Try FIST.

The Lone Haranguer

April 27, 2008, 09:08 AM

To put it in perspective, there are makers with at least equivalent quality that are taking even longer than Sparks - a year or even more. Also, do you require the VM2's reinforced mouth and "tuckable" feature?

I have a UBG Canute (http://ubgholsters.com/IWB.html) that, honestly, I would put up against anyone's, but it is not reinforced nor tuckable. It only took about eight weeks. FIST (http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/CATIWB.htm) is running 6-8 weeks. I have a #19 on order.

SaltH2OHokie

April 27, 2008, 11:12 AM

Tuckable yes; reinforced mouth, not necessarily, but holstering one handed would be nice. Tuckable wasn't a requirement, but apparently at 22yrs old the job dress codes start shifting from tee shirt and Dickies to knit shirt tucked into pleated Dickies. Who knew? :)

I recognize that some will run even longer as that's the nature of the "custom" beast. I wasn't implying that they were somehow "wrong" or "bad" for having that much wait. I know that sometimes there's an upstart company offering a product that's as good as the established market leader, but they just don't have the clientèle yet to back them up so bad. That's what I was hoping for here...

the naked prophet

April 27, 2008, 03:11 PM

I generally run more around 6 weeks wait time, and I offer similar quality holsters with similar features.

This is a tuckable holster with spring steel reinforced mouth, sweat flap, and belt loops.

I have several other styles, and everything I do is custom - if you don't like a feature, or if you want something in particular, you got it.

The Lone Haranguer

April 28, 2008, 12:45 AM

Tuckable yes; reinforced mouth, not necessarily, but holstering one handed would be nice.
A reinforced mouth is not necessary for one-handed holstering if the leather is stiff enough to start with. If you lean against a non-reinforced holster while the gun is out of it for any length of time, it can collapse a little bit. Then you may have to twist and wiggle the gun to get it in.

the naked prophet

April 28, 2008, 10:57 AM

That's why I use spring steel in my reinforcements. You can wear the holster empty for a significant length of time - for instance, if you have to go into a post office or other no-carry location.

Technosavant

April 28, 2008, 11:18 AM

Depending on the model of gun, there are some retailers that stock Milt Sparks holsters for a bit more than direct pricing. Lightning Arms is one of them.

IMO, they are worth the wait; I'd order one from them (if you can't find one in stock), and then get something else to tide you over.

The Lone Haranguer

April 28, 2008, 03:15 PM

IMO, they are worth the wait; I'd order one from them (if you can't find one in stock), and then get something else to tide you over.
That is what I did. I usually get a High Noon Bare Asset (http://http://highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/Bare_Asset/bare_asset.html) for a new gun. I have several of these now. ;)

SaltH2OHokie

April 30, 2008, 11:46 PM

I've had enough people recommend one that I've got one that High Noon stocks on the way and I'll order a Milt Sparks after a paycheck or two.

sadlsor

May 21, 2008, 07:38 PM

I have a Milt Sparks holster, ordered years ago. Don't recall the wait, just that it was long. And very expensive.

For a holster, let me assume you are NOT a LEO or paid bodyguard, but just a permitted / licensed citizen, OK? What is there about the Galco or other off-the-rack products that are unsuitable for your daily use? This is not to malign any of the super, customer-oriented, custom makers (n-p here comes immediately to mind), but if you are going to carry, what to do for 6 weeks to 6 months' wait? Leave your insurance locked up at home? Stick it in the waistband of your jeans? C'mon.

If price is the concern, buy a "get-by" mass-produced nylon or kydex holster until your dream rig arrives.

Personally, as cheap as I am, I think Galco is expensive, but usually find what I need on ebay, sooner or later. Meanwhile, I'll just carry a different gun, ...one I have a holster for.

I use this model with my kahr and my kel tec. After a year and a half of heavy use, both still look brand new.
Only $25, too.

riceboy72

June 1, 2008, 02:04 PM

http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/

Eric Larsen is a member of this forum and last week posted information saying his wait time was around one week, although that may have grown now that forum members have expressed interest and placed orders through him.

Never seen his product, but from what I've heard, it's top notch and wait time is minimal in the giant scheme of things.

Phelptwan

June 1, 2008, 07:58 PM

I just ordered form nm-holsters. I'll let you know how it works.

mitw44

June 17, 2008, 11:40 PM

Comp-tac makes a great product and the total time for my CTAC from order to arrival was less than a week.

esheato

June 18, 2008, 12:00 AM

Why buy from another guy when you can get a Milt Sparks right now?

Lightning Arms Sports (http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm)

Ed

weisse52

June 18, 2008, 01:33 AM

You can get Milt Sparks SS II at Brownells. In stock and shipping ASAP. 1911's and Glock's. Same price as Milt Sparks site.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=9922&st=milt%20sparks&s=

bradvanhorn

June 18, 2008, 11:19 AM

http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/

Eric Larsen is a member of this forum and last week posted information saying his wait time was around one week, although that may have grown now that forum members have expressed interest and placed orders through him.

Never seen his product, but from what I've heard, it's top notch and wait time is minimal in the giant scheme of things.
I wholeheartedly agree with this endorsement. I have two holsters made by Eric, and they are well worth the money I paid, which was perhaps a bit less than a Sparks holster (of which I am also a great fan). In fact I emailed Eric a couple days ago about my next project, and he emailed me back that he has about a 2-3 week turnaround at the moment. Give Eric a call and he'll talk you through the options and you can basically custom design your holster and accessories with him over the phone - you won't be disappointed.

GDW

June 18, 2008, 08:20 PM

I have a Sparks 55BN that I ordered years ago. The wait then was only around 8 weeks, I believe. I have mag holders and a belt too. It is nice, but not 20-26 week nice. I picked up a HBEleatherworks holster, mag and light holster recently. From order to shipment it was less than a month. His work is top notch - every bit as nice if not nicer than Sparks. It actually has a nicer fit with a nice snap when I insert the holster (similar to my kydex Comp-tac speed paddle I use). Great retention. I have seen other excellent holsters from others too. I have actually thought about selling the 55BN because of the crazy prices on ebay and ordering another holster from Eric. Great service, fair price, excellent quality.

VHinch

June 19, 2008, 11:32 AM

Mitch Rosen has an "Express Line" of popular models that is kept in stock. I know Brownells carries them, others may as well.

p8riot

June 19, 2008, 08:25 PM

Try a Brommeland MaxConV. They are some of the best. You can get them here, no waiting (except for shipping).

http://www.coalcreekarmory.com/holsters_brommeland.html

Autolycus

July 4, 2008, 10:24 PM

TAG.

M203Sniper

July 5, 2008, 03:48 AM

Go here http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/liofitinstno.html
and be sure to check what is in stock and ready to ship. Quality Stuff.

:)

MAGNUM44

July 29, 2008, 02:22 AM

does anyone on the forum have any k& d holsters would like to see photos and their experiences with them:cool:

mattk

August 1, 2008, 07:09 PM

The problem with Galco and Desantis and Aker is that they cost as much as Sparks, Alessi, Et Al. And don't work as well or last as long.
Top gun supply has Sparks VM2's in stock too.
I love my Summer Special 2 from Sparks. I love my Alessi holsters all 4 of them.
I am waiting on two holsters right now. One from HBE and one from Alessi.

What kind of gun are you carrying? I use a pocket gun to stay away from having to buy a tuckable IWB as I find IWB uncomfortable when I have a Crohn's Disease flair.

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